A SusanvilleStuff Feature
Melissa Blosser, Assistant Editor
Once again junior livestock owners will have the chance to exhibit their prized animals during the Lassen County Fair.
The annual Junior Livestock Show at the Lassen County Fair is the culmination of months of grooming, training, feeding, conditioning and care.
It is also about lessons and training given to the animal and lessons learned from the responsibility of taking care of that animal.
“You learn responsibility and you keep your family agricultural traditions going,” said Katie Wemple, a member of Lassen County 4-H. Wemple shows steers and plans to use the money earned at the auction for her college fund.
Jr. Livestock Exhibitors purchase their market animals in the Fall or Spring depending on species and are responsible for feeding grooming and taking care of their animal. They are also responsible for calculating their average daily gain (how many pounds they need to gain per day) to produce the best quality meat product for the buyer.
According to the 4-H website, 4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization. More than 6 million 4-H youth in urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards and rural farming communities stand out among their peers: building revolutionary opportunities and implementing community-wide change at an early age.
A study conducted by the Institute for Applied Research in Youth Development at Tufts University, shows youth engaged with
4-H are:
•Nearly two times more likely to get better grades in school
•Nearly two times more likely to plan to go to college
•41 percent less likely to engage in risky behaviors and
•25 percent more likely to positively contribute to their families and communities
After 4-H many kids move to FFA ( Future Farmers of America) where they expand their education in animal science over all agriculture. They also can participate in public speaking forums and many of them go on to persue higher education in the agriculture sector.
“Showing teaches them pride in a job well done and it teaches them to solve problems. All those are important lessons to know down the road,” said Mike Somerville FFA Advisor.
Livestock exhibitors will spend Tuesday, July 17th, through Sunday July 22nd, taking care of their animals, showing their animals and making friendships and connections that can become lifelong.
After a long hot week of washing, grooming and showing, the Jr. Livestock Auction is where the kids will sell their animals.
“We just want everyone to come out and support the kids. This is a way for the youth to excel in life and help further their education. They are our future,” said Fair Manager Jim Wolcott.
The Jr. Livestock Auction begins at 8:30 am at the Pardner Pavillion. To find out more information or about buying an animal visit www.lassencountyfair.org.
